Author Topic: Preserving Steel/Chrome After Restoration  (Read 1497 times)

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Offline RSchaefer

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Preserving Steel/Chrome After Restoration
« on: December 11, 2012, 05:33:13 AM »
I am wondering what I could use to prevent future rust on my restored '75 CB750F?  I have seen these products from Eastwood but they seem rather expensive, Sharkhide ($60), Fluid Film Rust Prevention, $50 for a gallon, (http://www.eastwood.com/fluid-film-rust-proteciton.html).

What would everyone recommend.  I think I have all of the black steel and aluminum engine side covers covered (powder coat).  I am using stainless steel allens w/anti-seize on the side covers. I am more concerned about the steel fasteners and chrome.  I have polished fasteners, like the engine bolts, screw heads, etc. and used aluminum foil and/or vinegar, tumbling, etc. to removed rust from chrome, but obviously there are micro holes to the steel in the chrome and the protective coating on the bolts, etc. has now been removed.  What kind of preventative measures can I take to minimize the rust returning.  Obviously the best thing is to fully dry the bike after I wash it, but with power washing I'm sure there are going to be areas that I'm not able to dry.

The specific areas are:

Rims on the inside under the rubber spoke protector
Rims on the outside
Engine bolts, nuts, washers, screws throughout
Front fender, underside and on top
Everything else chrome that I did not get re-chromed (just about everything)

Thoughts, ideas would be appreciated!!
'66 CB77, 305 Superhawk (Project Bike)
'72 CL 175, (Project Bike)
'75 CB750F (Project Bike, Complete)
'05 GL1800 ABS Black Cherry (Current Ride)
'87 GL1200 Wineberry Aspencade
'83 GL1100 Wineberry Aspencade
'76 GL1000 LTD
'75 GL1000 Turquoise
'69 Honda 750cc Gold
'67 Honda 305 Dream Black
'63 Honda S90 Black
'61 Honda 50 Red
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Offline LesterPiglet

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Re: Preserving Steel/Chrome After Restoration
« Reply #1 on: December 11, 2012, 06:32:49 AM »
I usually just clean mine at every opportunity but I painted the underside of the fenders with silver Hammerite.
'Then' and 'than' are completely different words and have completely different meanings. Same with 'of' and 'have'. Set and sit. There, their and they're. Draw and drawer. Could care less/couldn't care less. Bought/brought FFS.


Les Ross.            Certified by a Professional

Offline MoMo

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Re: Preserving Steel/Chrome After Restoration
« Reply #2 on: December 11, 2012, 06:54:22 AM »
Notice you mention power washing-avoid that if at all possible.  Once the bike has been cleaned, restored, polished, etc; washing with a mild soap, rinsing with a hose and drying off  should  maintain the finish.  You may have to re-wax occasionally...Larry

Offline RSchaefer

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Re: Preserving Steel/Chrome After Restoration
« Reply #3 on: December 11, 2012, 07:14:47 AM »
Well I had a '69, 750K back in the day with a chain oiler, etc. and she really got dirty.  No chain oiler on my '75F and I will minimize power washing.  I was just thinking because I have every little bit apart I would wipe each piece with something, etc. to try to minimize the inevitable.
'66 CB77, 305 Superhawk (Project Bike)
'72 CL 175, (Project Bike)
'75 CB750F (Project Bike, Complete)
'05 GL1800 ABS Black Cherry (Current Ride)
'87 GL1200 Wineberry Aspencade
'83 GL1100 Wineberry Aspencade
'76 GL1000 LTD
'75 GL1000 Turquoise
'69 Honda 750cc Gold
'67 Honda 305 Dream Black
'63 Honda S90 Black
'61 Honda 50 Red
GWRRA #000008
VJMC Member

Offline totty

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Re: Preserving Steel/Chrome After Restoration
« Reply #4 on: December 11, 2012, 07:42:15 AM »
Try coating in ACF-50, it certainly seems to help.

Offline Dream750

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Re: Preserving Steel/Chrome After Restoration
« Reply #5 on: December 11, 2012, 07:43:35 AM »
I would suggest an automotive grade liquid sealant due to it’s long lasting properties. (sealant vs wax) I’ve been using Meguiars #20 on the paint tins and all metal surfaces for years. I especially like using it on aluminum SOHC engine covers and chrome exhaust pipes as it doesn’t turn yellow with the heat. It will eventually wear off with repeated washings and much sooner if a detergent/degreaser is used. I normally apply 2-3 initial coats of #20 for the longest lasting protection. 

As MoMo touched on ... washing your bike with an automotive grade shampoo/soap is a better choice, because it does not contain harsh chemicals which allows the sealer to last longer. (soap vs detergent)   

I've also been thinking about trying of Blackfire all-metal sealant.